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Fraud Prevention Month Prompts Warning for Seniors

March 21, 2016 11:08 AM | News


A free seminar on March 6 will educate seniors on how to recognize scams so they don't get swindled out of their savings. (STOCK PHOTO)

(STOCK PHOTO)

With March being recognized at Fraud Prevention Month, Winnipeg police are dedicating this week to raise awareness of frauds targeting seniors.

One of the most widely-known scams targeting the elderly is the grandparent emergency scam, in which a person pretending to be a grandchild calls a victim and asks for money to help with a problem.

Police say money is often transfered via wire transfer and cannot be recovered once picked up by the fraudster. The best way to prevent being a victim is open communication with family members, who you can call directly to ask if a relative is in trouble.

Police offer these tips to seniors:

  • Don’t be afraid to say NO.
  • Take time to collect more information before making a decision.
  • Ask advice from someone you trust.
  • Make sure all your questions are answered.
  • Don’t feel pressured into committing before you have a chance to think things over or collect additional information.
  • Don’t give out any personal information to anyone you do not know or trust.
  • Ignore and delete suspicious emails asking for money transfers or personal information.

To report a fraud or scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

The main event for Fraud Prevention Month is free document shredding at St. Vital Centre on March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for the Shred-It van in the parking lot. There is a maximum of two bags or boxes per person.


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